Lawyers map
>18
experienced lawyers
Filter by
5.0
20 Reviews
4.9
165 Reviews
23 Jan, 2025 by Daniel meyer
Tommy is great to work with! He came along side our family and provided a great outcome quickly and with confidence! I appreciate his down to earth manner explaining each step we walked through them. His experience was worth his costs which during my research I found to be very fair.
Read more
19 Jan, 2025 by Laura greene
I had a very complicated divorce case in Bedford County. Stan Bennett was my main attorney, but I also worked with Dinah Michael and Brad Hornsby. Allyson Hornsby did a phenomenal job as my paralegal too. Stan really believed in my case and is very well respected in Bedford County. The number of times I was told by the judge, mediator, etc that “they’ve never seen anything like this” is a good testament to how complicated my case was. Stan and his team fought with everything they had during each trial, appeal and challenge. They used their vast legal knowledge and were willing to do the research for all of the unusual things that came up. Stan, Dinah and Brad did a fantastic job in court and were often complimented by the judge on how well they tried the case. I can’t thank the whole team enough for everything they’ve done and how it turned out. If you are looking for an attorney that believes in you and is willing to fight the fight, I highly recommend them.
Read more
26 Oct, 2024 by Erin worden
I would highly recommend Thomas Bray to anyone looking for an attorney that not only is going to "work for you" but he cares about his clients. After experiencing the worse surprise of my life being told my husband wanted a divorce, I had a friend recommend Mr. Bray. I am so glad they did. He was tough without being mean and he was caring and kind and quick to respond. It truly felt like he had mine and my boys best interest at heart. I hope I never need an attorney again, but if I do, I know who my attorney is, Thomas H. Bray. Thank you, Mr. Bray for everything!
Read more
5.0
20 Reviews
4.9
165 Reviews
23 Jan, 2025 by Daniel meyer
Tommy is great to work with! He came along side our family and provided a great outcome quickly and with confidence! I appreciate his down to earth manner explaining each step we walked through them. His experience was worth his costs which during my research I found to be very fair.
Read more
19 Jan, 2025 by Laura greene
I had a very complicated divorce case in Bedford County. Stan Bennett was my main attorney, but I also worked with Dinah Michael and Brad Hornsby. Allyson Hornsby did a phenomenal job as my paralegal too. Stan really believed in my case and is very well respected in Bedford County. The number of times I was told by the judge, mediator, etc that “they’ve never seen anything like this” is a good testament to how complicated my case was. Stan and his team fought with everything they had during each trial, appeal and challenge. They used their vast legal knowledge and were willing to do the research for all of the unusual things that came up. Stan, Dinah and Brad did a fantastic job in court and were often complimented by the judge on how well they tried the case. I can’t thank the whole team enough for everything they’ve done and how it turned out. If you are looking for an attorney that believes in you and is willing to fight the fight, I highly recommend them.
Read more
26 Oct, 2024 by Erin worden
I would highly recommend Thomas Bray to anyone looking for an attorney that not only is going to "work for you" but he cares about his clients. After experiencing the worse surprise of my life being told my husband wanted a divorce, I had a friend recommend Mr. Bray. I am so glad they did. He was tough without being mean and he was caring and kind and quick to respond. It truly felt like he had mine and my boys best interest at heart. I hope I never need an attorney again, but if I do, I know who my attorney is, Thomas H. Bray. Thank you, Mr. Bray for everything!
Read more
5.0
11 Reviews
4.9
78 Reviews
15 Dec, 2024 by Rebecca moore
Nobody wants a lawyer but when you need one I definitely recommend Whitney! When I first came to her I didn’t know what to expect or what to even do. Whitney easily navigated through it all while keeping me well informed. Communication was exceptional. I never felt I was just another case.
Read more
09 Oct, 2024 by Jasmine duster
Best attorney in the Boro!
Read more
30 Aug, 2024 by Mr. b.a.
Whitney is a very knowledgeable, experienced attorney who is easy to talk to and explains everything you may need to know about your case. She is also very soft-spoken, which is a plus when dealing with the stress involved. I look forward to her handling my case. A friend of mine recommended that I talk to her, and I definitely recommend her to anyone needing help navigating the legal system. I definitely feel less worried about my case. Thanks, Whitney. 😉 😃
Read more
07 Oct, 2024 by Michael kidd
Great experience working with Mr. Taylor. He and his assistant both very pleasurable and attentive to getting me the best result!! Highly recommend 👌
Read more
19 Sep, 2024 by Nicholas woodley
I am very fortunate & blessed to have come across Mr. Taylor when looking for an attorney. I almost decided to go with another attorney until I called Mr. Taylor & he invited me in to talk about my situation. After speaking with him in person, it became very clear to me who I wanted to represent me. Mr. Taylor is extremely thorough & does an incredible job of communicating the details of each & every aspect of your case. He genuinely cared about me, my life, & how to best resolve my situation. I am very thankful to have met Mr. Taylor & would recommend his services to anyone who needs an attorney.
Read more
16 Jul, 2024 by Austin smothers
Look no further for a lawyer in the Middle Tennessee area. John Taylor is an incredible lawyer (and man) that has a focus on high communication and making sure you understand what is going on. For someone who has never had to deal with anything court related, I was confused and discouraged at first because I did not know where to start. John made sure we knew what was going on and took care of everything for us.
My charges against me were completed dropped and dismissed as they should’ve been from the beginning. John was relentless, yet calm and collected, during his appearances on my behalf. This is exactly what you would want in a lawyer and the full dismissal is a testament to his persistent work. If you have an unjust charge or are looking to get the best case scenario from your mistake, call John Taylor.
Read more
07 Oct, 2024 by Michael kidd
Great experience working with Mr. Taylor. He and his assistant both very pleasurable and attentive to getting me the best result!! Highly recommend 👌
Read more
19 Sep, 2024 by Nicholas woodley
I am very fortunate & blessed to have come across Mr. Taylor when looking for an attorney. I almost decided to go with another attorney until I called Mr. Taylor & he invited me in to talk about my situation. After speaking with him in person, it became very clear to me who I wanted to represent me. Mr. Taylor is extremely thorough & does an incredible job of communicating the details of each & every aspect of your case. He genuinely cared about me, my life, & how to best resolve my situation. I am very thankful to have met Mr. Taylor & would recommend his services to anyone who needs an attorney.
Read more
16 Jul, 2024 by Austin smothers
Look no further for a lawyer in the Middle Tennessee area. John Taylor is an incredible lawyer (and man) that has a focus on high communication and making sure you understand what is going on. For someone who has never had to deal with anything court related, I was confused and discouraged at first because I did not know where to start. John made sure we knew what was going on and took care of everything for us.
My charges against me were completed dropped and dismissed as they should’ve been from the beginning. John was relentless, yet calm and collected, during his appearances on my behalf. This is exactly what you would want in a lawyer and the full dismissal is a testament to his persistent work. If you have an unjust charge or are looking to get the best case scenario from your mistake, call John Taylor.
Read more
07 Oct, 2024 by Michael kidd
Great experience working with Mr. Taylor. He and his assistant both very pleasurable and attentive to getting me the best result!! Highly recommend 👌
Read more
19 Sep, 2024 by Nicholas woodley
I am very fortunate & blessed to have come across Mr. Taylor when looking for an attorney. I almost decided to go with another attorney until I called Mr. Taylor & he invited me in to talk about my situation. After speaking with him in person, it became very clear to me who I wanted to represent me. Mr. Taylor is extremely thorough & does an incredible job of communicating the details of each & every aspect of your case. He genuinely cared about me, my life, & how to best resolve my situation. I am very thankful to have met Mr. Taylor & would recommend his services to anyone who needs an attorney.
Read more
16 Jul, 2024 by Austin smothers
Look no further for a lawyer in the Middle Tennessee area. John Taylor is an incredible lawyer (and man) that has a focus on high communication and making sure you understand what is going on. For someone who has never had to deal with anything court related, I was confused and discouraged at first because I did not know where to start. John made sure we knew what was going on and took care of everything for us.
My charges against me were completed dropped and dismissed as they should’ve been from the beginning. John was relentless, yet calm and collected, during his appearances on my behalf. This is exactly what you would want in a lawyer and the full dismissal is a testament to his persistent work. If you have an unjust charge or are looking to get the best case scenario from your mistake, call John Taylor.
Read more
02 Jun, 2022 by Renee baker
06 Jan, 2022 by Taylor wall
22 Apr, 2020 by Clc2e clc2e
Mary is great. She is knowledgeable on family law matters, always returns messages/calls in a timely manner, and is definitely the best attorney I have ever had. I've been in and out of court with family law matters for quite some time and she ranks THE BEST. She knows the laws, and does not BS about anything. She did not sugar coat anything or tell me what I want to hear (like many attorneys I have dealt with in the past). She does not give false hope, but she is stern and direct when it comes to practicing law. She is prompt on all paperwork and filing. I am never left wondering what is going on or the status of anything related to my case. She's reasonable and fair on pricing too! I wish I would have found her years ago, I could have saved myself a lot of headaches. Thank you Mary!!!!
Read more
07 Feb, 2025 by Emily carter
I do not recommend this attorney. So many many reasons you should go anywhere else but here. His comment here to his client should tell you everything you need to know. Not even keeping my information confidential. If only he put as much effort and punctuality into what he was actually paid to do.
Read more
24 Oct, 2024 by Carrie reeves
Great attorney! Very professional and very knowledgeable of the laws and will work for your best interest! Definitely recommend!
Read more
13 Jul, 2024 by Kody hurt
Mr. Daubenspeck was a huge help in my custody case with my daughter, he was confident in what needed to be said and done. His responses were timely and informative I would recommend any friends or family to use this law office
Read more
05 Dec, 2024 by Evelyn manzanilla
Very good lawyer, he helped us with our case, he was attentive at all times and gave us the best service.
Read more
07 Sep, 2024 by Shawn simpson
Mark is very easy to work with and professional. I will definitely work with him again.
Read more
09 Aug, 2024 by C s
Not sure why Mr. Richardson has so many highly rated reviews?%$#@. The first clue something was wrong was when he rarely contacted his client, and when he did it was via TEXT messages, instead of phone calls! When called he rarely, if ever, made himself available and his assistant never had answers for what Mr. Richardson was doing in regards to the case and wouldn't even send documentation on billing when he dropped client with no prior warning a week and a few days before hearing. This man, and his office staff, took money for a job and did little to nothing, even worse tried up very valuable time in a child custody case for over 6 mos. If he is a man who truly cares about ALL of his clients, then he would have taken 5 mins to explained over the phone why he would no longer represent his client and more importantly, he would have done that 6 MONTHS AGO NOT the week before a hearing! Do your homework before hiring this man, get EVERYTHING in writing, and research perhaps more professional lawyers in your area. Not everyone has deep pockets of $$$ to waste on insensative lawyers, especially single moms:(((
Read more
17 Jul, 2024 by Cynthia cowan
The minute I walked in the room and met Jim, I knew I made the right decision in seeking his counsel with my situation. I drove two hours to talk to him and it was absolutely worth every mile and moment of my time. Jim is kind, down to earth, knowledgeable, professional, and a wonderful attorney. He knew the law and was patient to listen to the details of my situation. I could immediately tell he is very passionate about his work. He was kind enough to stop to ask me how I was personally managing with the situation, which was very compassionate. When I need an attorney, I know who I will call in the future. I highly recommend Jim Judkins and Judkins Law
Read more
12 Jul, 2024 by Jennie l dunn
Bethany is so helpful and insightful throughout the whole divorce process. I appreciate her work and helping me with the best possible outcome for my daughter and me
Read more
06 Jul, 2024 by Zach dilbeck
Bethany is a top notch Attorney. She went above and beyond to make the process as smooth as possible. She handled everything professionally and adequately. Highly recommend using her!
Read more
25 Mar, 2024 by Brian slavens
They get people the answers they need. Care for their clients
Read more
24 Mar, 2024 by Robert rowland
They never returned call
Read more
18 Mar, 2024 by Shelbie fricks
I filed my Chapter 7 through Flexer. They have been absolutely amazing! They are super responsive to any questions I have via email & phone. They walked me through & explained everything to me. They were very fast with getting everything done once we started the process. I would 100% recommend! They are affordable. Tons of my family has used Flexer before in the past & they all had great experiences as well which lead me to choosing them.
Read more
29 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
I worked with Katie regarding child custody. She was incredibly kind and assuring during a difficult time. She handled everything for me and followed my lead to get the outcome that I felt was the best fit for me. She was always very informative and thorough and answered any and all questions I had. I hope to never need her services again but would without hesitation if the situation ever arises.
Read more
21 Jul, 2023 by Susan
From my first meeting with Katie Fults, I knew my family was in good hands. Her attention to the details of my case was amazing. She was available when I had questions and followed through on my every request. Katie is a fanastic attorney and stood by my side through one of the most difficult times of my life.
Read more
06 Aug, 2024 by Kristopher
Ryan represented me in a custody action that took close to two years and eventual trial to remedy. Through all of that time, he was attentive and always returned calls or emails in a timely manner. His counsel was always well thought out and accurate.
I'm very glad that I was led to Ryan for the legal action against me. I would be glad to use him in the future for any other legal needs.
Read more
17 Jul, 2024 by Cynthia cowan
The minute I walked in the room and met Jim, I knew I made the right decision in seeking his counsel with my situation. I drove two hours to talk to him and it was absolutely worth every mile and moment of my time. Jim is kind, down to earth, knowledgeable, professional, and a wonderful attorney. He knew the law and was patient to listen to the details of my situation. I could immediately tell he is very passionate about his work. He was kind enough to stop to ask me how I was personally managing with the situation, which was very compassionate. When I need an attorney, I know who I will call in the future. I highly recommend Jim Judkins and Judkins Law
Read more
12 Jul, 2024 by Jennie l dunn
Bethany is so helpful and insightful throughout the whole divorce process. I appreciate her work and helping me with the best possible outcome for my daughter and me
Read more
06 Jul, 2024 by Zach dilbeck
Bethany is a top notch Attorney. She went above and beyond to make the process as smooth as possible. She handled everything professionally and adequately. Highly recommend using her!
Read more
14 Dec, 2024 by Cristina buck
20 Jul, 2024 by Melissa wright
Amanda Conklin handled my divorce. Circumstances were unusual but she was knowledgeable and so helpful. She was kind and compassionate, and kept me updated on every aspect of my case. She also was in contact with other people to make sure I got the best outcome. She answered all of my questions in a timely manner. I highly recommend Amanda for any of your family law needs.
Read more
12 Jul, 2024 by Rich carr
I do not recommend Mrs. Conklin
Very poor communication and declined to help me throughout the process.
Read more
29 Oct, 2024 by Sandra
DO NOT HIRE! YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! I read reviews about this attorney that were alarming, however, she came recommended by the Domestic Violence organization, so my family decided to give her a shot. We hired her in 2018 and were happy that of all the other attorney's we looked at, she seemed tohave one of the lowest retainers. That was our first mistake. One of the reviews said that she didn't file the correct paperwork, or that she missed deadlines. Both of which happened in my families case. Another said that she lost every motion even when the other parties council was inept. She did in fact lose every motion and got steamrolled by opposing council. The other side got everything they wanted while we got nothing. For example, she never introduced the police report that was filed that would have supported the domestic abuse claim. They initially had 2 weekends a month, and that was changed do 10 days a month, plus many holidays. For someone who has never been alone with his child for an extended period of time in her whole life. For someone who was abusive to both the mother and the child. The father went from having approximately 48 days a year to having 145 days a year! She is lazy and overwhelmed and our end result was worse than what we could have ever anticipated. She comes across as caring, but is unprofessional and highly disorganized. She does not return calls or emails in a timely manner. Her billing is unclear. Due to her incompetency, my family has paid tens of thousands of dollars to undue the damage she caused. We are now severely in debt and it is all because she damaged our case from the very beginning. Please stay away. There are many other attorneys in Rutherford County that are better. I would 100% recommend W. Scott Kimberly located at: 111 N Maple St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, phone number: (615) 890-1099
Our end result isn't perfect, but it was the best possible outcome given the damage that Rebecca caused. It is now 3 years later and we finally have some semblance of closure. Not perfect, but livable.
Read more
17 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Ms Lashbrook was highly recommended to our family by a trusted friend when my daughter passed away - a single mom leaving behind a minor child with no will in place to determine who would have custody. It was a very scary situation. Ms Lashbrook helped us secure custody with my other daughter & work with DCS to get all the legalities taken care of. She was extremely caring, sympathetic and went out of her way to assure us we did not have to concern ourselves with this added legal burden as we were grieving over such an unexpected loss & all the other issues that came with it. She was very knowledgeable of the law and made the entire process go smoothly. Both she & her assistant, Julie were extremely caring, thoughtful & concerned for our family. We were blessed beyond words by their caring & personal approach in this situation.
I consulted Ms Lashbrook again recently regarding another matter & found my interaction with her & her staff just as caring & helpful. They actually listen to your concerns & take that extra time to do that without a focus of adding up additional fees for each minute spent. They also welcome your questions and are patient in giving answers that you can understand and this helps you (the client) make wise decisions & feel confident you were informed of all the legal ramifications of those decisions. I highly recommend Ms Lashbrook and her office to anyone who needs help with legal issues involving minor children as well as wills & estate planning. What a blessing she has been to us!
Read more
11 Nov, 2023 by Cayla
Mrs. Lashbrook was there for me from the very first consultation until the end. She was very informative and helped me to do everything that I needed to do. I cannot express how great and clear the communication was and I never felt confused or alone. You can feel the passion she exhibits to fight for what is right.
Read more
11 Nov, 2024 by Veronica anchondo
Erick is the best lawyer thanks
Read more
05 Nov, 2024 by Maggie murphy
Doesn’t return calls. Apparently Jay Jackson doesn’t have time after 1 week and 3 phone calls later to answer 1 question. 11.14.24 still hasn’t returned my calls.
Read more
18 Oct, 2024 by John green
I had an issue and was given Jack Mitchells name by several different people and have heard nothing but good things about him and how he gets things done right the first time
Read more
22 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Worse of the worse, a con artist that will deceive women through the women abuse center the he runs. Most of the time will not answer your phone if you are no more useful to get money…
Read more
04 Sep, 2022 by Jennifer
Will not return phone calls or emails. Completed petition and parenting plan. Just needs to be filed for over a month now. My children have since been moved away to another city. This process which should have only taken a month, which he stated would be "filed by the end of the week", has taken 4 months so far. I paid my retainer and I am extremely frustrated at this point. I do not have time to be wasting.
Read more
13 Dec, 2021 by Amy
He genuinely seemed to care and was confident in his knowledge of the whole divorce process. He always gave me good and fair advice and worked to resolve my issues with compassion. I felt well represented and even though it was a very horrible phase in my life, I felt like I was in good hands and that he, Abby, and Thomas were in my corner and truly have empathy for their clients. Honestly there were times when I didn’t get much communication, but it’s the sad thing about abuse…..there’s ALOT of it unfortunately and I know he was covered up. I am so grateful for their help and I’m now free to be “me” again.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Child Custody Lawyer Can Do for You
A child custody lawyer specializes in helping parents navigate legal matters related to the custody and care of their children, particularly in the context of divorce, separation, or other family disputes. These lawyers assist with determining custody arrangements, drafting parenting plans, and advocating for your rights in court. They also help resolve disputes over physical custody (where the child lives), legal custody (who makes decisions for the child), visitation rights, and modifications to existing custody orders.
Whether you're going through a divorce or need to change an existing custody arrangement, a child custody lawyer can help you understand your rights and protect your child's best interests throughout the legal process.
When Should I Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a child custody lawyer in several situations, especially when disputes arise or complex legal issues affect your parental rights. Some common reasons to hire a child custody lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: If you're going through a divorce or separation and need to establish custody and visitation arrangements, a lawyer can help ensure the custody order reflects your child's best interests.
- Disputed custody cases: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody or visitation terms, a lawyer can advocate for your rights in court and help you develop a strong case.
- Modification of custody orders: If you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to changes in circumstances (e.g., relocation, changes in the child’s needs), a lawyer can help file a modification request.
- Parental alienation: If the other parent is interfering with your relationship with your child, a lawyer can help address these issues through legal action.
- Domestic violence or abuse: If there is a history of domestic violence or abuse, a lawyer can help protect you and your child by requesting restraining orders and advocating for appropriate custody arrangements.
- Grandparent or third-party custody: If you are a grandparent or another relative seeking custody or visitation rights, a lawyer can guide you through the legal process.
- Paternity disputes: In cases where paternity is in question, a lawyer can assist with establishing or challenging paternity, which may affect custody and visitation rights.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help protect your parental rights and ensure that the custody arrangement is in your child's best interests.
What Does a Child Custody Lawyer Do?
A child custody lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents resolve custody disputes and secure favorable custody arrangements for their children. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing custody petitions: Helping you file the necessary paperwork to request custody or visitation rights and ensuring all legal procedures are followed.
- Negotiating custody agreements: Assisting in negotiating custody and visitation arrangements, often working toward a mutually beneficial parenting plan without going to court.
- Representing you in court: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody terms, representing you in court by presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
- Drafting parenting plans: Helping you draft a comprehensive parenting plan that outlines the schedule for physical custody, decision-making responsibilities, and visitation.
- Handling child support issues: Assisting with related issues such as child support, ensuring that financial obligations are properly calculated and enforced.
- Modifying custody orders: Helping you request a modification from the court if you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to significant life changes.
- Mediating custody disputes: Acting as a mediator to help both parents reach an agreement on custody and visitation without the need for litigation.
How Are Child Custody Lawyers Paid?
Child custody lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case, the time involved, and the nature of the legal work. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Most child custody lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer's experience and location. The total cost depends on the time spent preparing documents, negotiating, and representing you in court.
- Flat fee: For simple custody matters or uncontested custody agreements, some lawyers may offer a flat fee for specific services, such as drafting a parenting plan or filing a custody petition.
- Retainer: Many lawyers require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount varies based on the expected complexity and duration of the case.
- Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers may offer reduced fees or pro bono (free) services for clients with limited financial means, particularly in cases involving domestic violence or other serious issues.
It’s important to discuss fees and payment arrangements with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are included.
How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a child custody lawyer depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case, whether it’s contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:
- Uncontested custody cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and any negotiations.
- Contested custody cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the issues, the need for expert testimony, and the time spent in litigation.
- Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or complex custody disputes.
- Mediation services: If both parents agree to work through mediation, costs typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more for the mediation process.
Always ask for a clear cost estimate during your consultation to ensure that you understand the total legal fees and payment structure.
Top Questions to Ask a Child Custody Lawyer
Before hiring a child custody lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your case. Some key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with child custody cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, especially if your case involves complex issues like domestic violence, relocation, or paternity disputes. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, offers flat fees for certain services, or requires a retainer, and ask for an estimate of the total cost. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case, including potential challenges and expected outcomes. -
How long will the process take?
Inquire about the expected timeline from filing the petition to reaching an agreement or going to trial. -
Will you personally handle my case?
Ensure you know who will be managing your case and representing you in court. -
Can we pursue mediation or alternative dispute resolution?
Ask whether the lawyer recommends mediation or other forms of dispute resolution to avoid a lengthy court battle.
How to Check the Credibility of a Child Custody Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable child custody lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for family law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in family law and child custody cases.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge the lawyer’s professionalism and success in child custody matters.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on custody cases.
- Check for certifications: Look for lawyers who are board-certified in family law or have memberships in organizations like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) or local family law sections.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a child custody lawyer, come prepared with relevant documents and information:
- Court orders or existing custody agreements: Bring copies of any existing custody or visitation orders for the lawyer to review.
- Communication with the other parent: Provide copies of emails, texts, or letters regarding custody, visitation, or disputes.
- List of your child’s needs: Prepare a list of your child’s specific needs, such as medical care, education, and extracurricular activities.
- Timeline of the case: Outline key events related to your custody case, including changes in living situations or parental involvement.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions about the custody process, legal fees, and the lawyer’s strategy for your case.
By being well-prepared, you can help the lawyer assess your situation effectively and receive the best possible advice for protecting your rights and your child’s well-being.
